The Chicago Foreign Language Press Survey was published in 1942 by the Chicago Public Library Omnibus Project of the Works Progress Administration of Illinois. The purpose of the project was to translate and classify selected news articles that appeared in the foreign language press from 1855 to 1938. The project consists of 120,000 typewritten pages translated from newspapers of 22 different foreign language communities of Chicago.

Illinois Staats-Zeitung -- April 24, 1879

The Ladies' Club of the German Society gave a luncheon at Klare's hall yesterday afternoon and many members, as well as friends of the Society, were present. After coffee, the president, Mrs. Hedwig Voss, gave an address which was received with much acclaim; she spoke about American ladies' clubs, and we herewith quote her speech:

American Ladies' Clubs

"The American ladies' clubs of late have enlarged their activities. Formerly, these clubs were mostly concerned with temperance and blue laws, equal franchise, and the usual benevolent activities. We German women are not much interested in such subjects. If religious sentiment (the belief in more inspiring matters pertaining to the world and human nature) does not pervade our daily actions, then it is not worth much. If religious belief is genuine, then we cannot believe in religion during festive occasions, or discard our belief,putting it on or off like clothing, according to circumstances. Undoubtedly, according to 2German views, the same harmless procedures should be tolerated on Sunday as on weekdays. Now, as to moderation, it is surely an excellent idea to be moderate in all things, and this applies particularly to women; but these nice virtues cannot be enforced by police measures. Virtues can only develop through a proper, sensible education, and by adherence to good principles. But particularly, with respect to temperance, so many of our American women show such an entire lack of tact that the temperance cause and the women behind it are being ridiculed.

"And the voting privilege! I do not think many of us are going to get gray hair thinking about it. Upon to the present time, we have not been concerned about politics, and our inherent modesty prevents us from becoming involved in matters of which we do not know much. But, unfortunately, there are also many men who are absolutely uninformed about our institutions, the American Constitution, and matters pertaining to the state; their efforts, as citizens, manifest themselves accordingly. And that is the claim to which our American women subscribe. The American women declare that men have made an awful 'mess' of politics and 3that, naturally, women should also have something to say in politics. The American women, are of course, better enabled to participate in politics than we [German women] are, because they have been more interested in the subject, and they have even entered the various professions; there are ministers of the Gospel and doctors, even lawyers, regardless of the protests of their male colleagues. Many women are newspaper writers and give lectures. Hence a large number of intelligent men now declare that the abstract right of voting cannot be denied the fair sex; after all, they are capable human beings endowed with intelligence.

"As employees of the state (of course, so far only in subordinate positions) women have proved to be very capable. Considered on the average, women are more ambitious and conscientious than men. Who knows, at long last we may attain this 'equality', the right to vote, and it may be given to us even without effort; allegorically speaking, it drops into our lap like ripened fruit, and then it may not appear as sour and unenticing as it does now.

"Lately, clubs have been organized in which the aforesaid aims appear to be 4somewhat relegated to the background. Among these associations are first of all, the 'social science clubs'. The word gives difficulty in translating from English into German, because one cannot obtain a proper conception of what is meants by a 'social' science. The object of these clubs is to investigate the shortcomings of our present social structure, to find out the reasons, and to eliminate the undesirable features, in so far as possible. The two main causes which promote bad conditions in general are attributed to laziness and ignorance. If the people could be given enough understanding, so that they may perceive the consequences of their foolish actions, and, if it were possible for the people to be aroused to pursue useful activities as a matter of habit, then a great many temptations would be removed; poverty, sickness, vice and misery would diminish noticeably. These newer women's clubs consist of seven divisions, in each of which the chairman, president, secretary and treasurer constitute the executive board. The divisions are: benevolence, education, art and literature, sanitation (that is, instruction on matters pertaining to health), home management, industry, and politics. Love for the state--the state of being well dressed--is taken 5for granted in so far as women are concerned, so the fair sex need only alter the conception a little, and then the women will soon be splendid citizens.

"Then, aside from these divisions, these clubs have subdivisions, for example, in the education division: lectures, education for women, schools, kindergartens, and care of small children. The other branches are divided in a similar manner. It thus becomes apparent that this presents a large field in which those with the most varied abilities can assert themselves. In considering only the last phase, every woman, even if she has no children, is a teacher, even if she only serves in giving an example to our growing youth. And, above all, as a teacher she must develop her abilities on her own initiative, otherwise she will not be able properly to fulfill her duties.

"The leader of the social science clubs of this State is Mrs. Elizabeth Boynton Harbort, assistant editor of the Inter Ocean for many years. This newspaper [Inter Ocean] has a special department for women, and publishes two pages every 6Saturday entirely devoted to women. Under the headline "Woman's Kingdom' one finds accounts of women's attainments, club activities, etc., whereas the heading 'Home' is restricted to household matters. On one page we may obtain inspiration from philanthropic ideas, and on the other page we may learn how to bake a pumpkin pie or build a so-called 'air castle' of cards. That newspaper [Inter Ocean] has a large circulation, particularly in the country districts, and it undoubtedly has a good influence. It provides a sort of substitute for clubs and associations with people, since these social activities are restricted to rural communities.

"Mrs. Harbort also publishes a paper expressly for clubs, The Social Science Journal, and every member is given a copy free. The first issue was published on New Years's, and a somewhat triumphant note is contained therein: 'Hail, Sisters, our harvest is well-ripened, may the gatherers not be lacking. For the sake of the Country, truth and justice, let us not dedicate ourselves to luxury, idleness, and mere superfluous ornamentation as we did in the past, but let us take an interest in more valuable endeavors, such as diligence and independence.

Labor is honorable, even for women. We need improvements in the home, school and church, in society, associations, and politics, and the women must help. Let us co-operate and forget our immaterial personal affairs for the sake of the common weal, and success will be assured.'

"Much may have been said and written while activity was lacking, but, at the beginning, one must express himself, consider, and seek advice. We may be exceedingly intelligent and benevolently inclined, but it will not benefit others, if we remain aloof and mute. And, considering the activity of American women, their energy and sacrificial spirit, they will not stop with mere words. At present, hundreds of women are making arrangements for an authors' carnival, which is to be held at the Exposition building for the benefit of charitable institutions. It will be a fair, but of an unusual character. The salesladies will appear in groups, representing various persons and scenes from the works of well-known authors, and the presentation--in costume and action--is to be shown in an authentic manner. The idea has proved popular elsewhere, and has exceeded expectations. The people come, they want to see--and they buy; the 8latter, after all, is the most important feature.

"The Women's Shop is also an innovation which is scheduled for the near future. A store is to be rented, a saleslady will be employed, and all women may then dispose of homemade articles without the necessity of functioning as clerks. The members of the club [which establishes the store] will try to obtain customers in order to help their less fortunate sisters. Everything made by women will be acceptable: paintings, drawings, ornaments of all kinds, fine embroidery and other handmade articles, clothing for children, linen, bakery goods, candy, preserves, and most assuredly, popcorn. The list of the executives contains many names of German women who may thus benefit members of their sex who are of foreign origin.

"Also a trade school for girls is to be founded; this is very commendable. The wife of former Governor Beveridge leads these organizations. Poor, neglected children roaming the streets are to be taught, so that they may become useful. Many states have such schools for boys, but no places can be found for girls; in 9fact, the latter, in many cases, were virtually driven from these institutions to make room for the boys; and, as the girls were left to shift for themselves, one can readily imagine what became of them after growing older.

"In the police annals of the City of New York, an account is given of a woman called Margaret, the mother of criminals. She grew up under the influence of street environment, without schooling or work. In the course of time, she had many children and still more grandchildren, until the progeny amounted to hundreds of persons. More than one half of this large family became wards of the state. The women almost invariably became prostitutes, while the men were feeble-minded or drunkards, thieves, tramps, robbers and murderers. The state has had to pay more than one million dollars to apprehend, prosecute and support these criminals--not to mention....the bad influence upon others caused by association with that element.

"Would it not have been worth while for the state to educate the child in the 10first place? The women in particular, the mothers, are responsible; they can even curb the negligence and vices of a man, if they are of superior stock. However, it often requires a deplorably long period until such a humanitarian idea penetrates into the craniums of our politicians and united action is taken. Women's meetings were also held in our State, even in the senate hall after adjournment; motions were made, resolutions passed and petitions signed; many lawmakers were present, but so far nothing has transpired.

"During such meetings women often became fresh and arrogant, and so, regardless of the gallant and submissive spirit of American men, some became disgruntled and obstinate. When Miss Frances Willard, with her temperance regiment, appeared and also demanded the senate hall, some gentlemen objected, and one of them declared vehemently: 'According to my view, these women would do better by going home and taking care of their children; their offspring will surely develop into ruffians if left to themselves.' Another gentleman declared that one should not spoil Sister Willard's fun; he, for his part, enjoys the sight when women 11harangue unrestrictedly. Those senators who do not care to be reproached for their sins need not be present; no law makes it mandatory. He also does not believe that small children will be neglected, since neither Miss Willard (an old spinster) nor the protesting senator are blessed with progeny. Of course, such banter appealed, and a large majority of the senatorial group gave their consent for the use of the hall. The ladies could argue to their hearts' content, and undoubtedly did.

"The trade school for girls is not yet favored by the Senate, but the school is to be started, though on a small scale. A suitable place has been rented, and much interest has been aroused. Even among the elite Americans, two clubs for small girls have been founded; one of these clubs has already collected more than one hundred dollars in furtherance of the cause. According to the report, the children are not 'forced' to go into the school, nor are special efforts made to obtain attendance, but, nevertheless, the children appreciated it--they were zealous and declared they would never give up their school membership. That is gratifying. Even if there appears to be an inclination to imitate the older 12people, such ideas given during childhood are not likely to be disregarded entirely in later years, and in many cases may cause a wonderful development.

"Herewith, ladies, I bring to a close my discourse about American women's clubs, although the subject has only been shown in general. However, I would like now to speak to you as a German.

"Many of you may probably think: 'How can a German housewife find time for such involved affairs?' Of course, if a woman has small children, or a large household to be managed with little or no extra help, then she will hardly be able to take an active interest in such matters. But many of us are better situated, so that we need not 'stay within our shell' like a snail or remain in a burrow like a marmot. We German women have a reputation throughout the world for having a sense of domesticity, and may heaven prevent us from disregarding our duties and from acting in an irresolute, unintelligent manner. We surely have sympathy for anything that suffers, and individuals hardened by self-ishness--thinking only of personal gratification--are rare among us. But are 13we not often too particular, penny-pinching and one-sided? Of course, the home should be our main interest, but it should not--and must not be--our boundary. Regardless of how carefully we protect our children, eventually they must face stern reality, and....our offspring cannot escape reality: If women reach the stage where they take an enthusiastic interest in affairs which benefit the community, then, to quote a well-known German author, 'only a boor would insist that women stick to their brooms and darning needles.' (Applause).

"Our minds and sentiments should be susceptible to broader activities. After all, we are so closely related, so similar despite our dissimilarity, composed of the same substances, motivated by identical wishes, virtues and weaknesses--differing only in degree--and we have the same sentiments toward anything which is really good and commendable. May we, therefore, also display a growing interest in a better conception of life, for honest endeavor, and let our proverb be 'progress!'"

Generous acclaim followed this splendid address, which undoubtedly made a lasting impression.

Then followed a number of musical selections, under the direction of Oscar Schmoll:

Romance from "Robert der Teufel," (Robert the Devil) by Meyerbeer, and airs by Franz Schubert, sung by Miss Alice Sittig; Recitative and Aria from "Hans Heiling," by Marschner, and songs by R. Franz and Raff, sung by Miss Amalie Kleinofen; Fantasy for violin and piano, based on the motif from "Stradella," by Sinzele, played by Messrs. Von Goetzen and Oscar Schmoll; "Leichte Cavallerie" (Light Cavalry) Overture, by Suppe, and a "Rhapsodie Hongroise" by Eugene Ketterer, played by Miss Minna and Mr. Georg Claussenius.

The excellent renditions were awarded deserving applause.

After that, various topics of interest were discussed in an informal manner, 15and new members became affiliated with the Club, thus furthering the beneficent work. Not only the members, but also many friends, were present who, after learning the facts, expressed their willingness to help the cause.

The Ladies' Club of the German Society gave a luncheon at Klare's hall yesterday afternoon and many members, as well as friends of the Society, were present. After coffee, the ...

Illinois Staats-Zeitung -- July 29, 1879

About thirty ladies and gentlemen attended a meeting at 13 South Halsted Street yesterday evening to found the Working Woman's Industrial Protective Union. Mrs. Anna Schrock opened the meeting in a lengthy, well-prepared address, wherein she stressed the suffering and the low wages which are the lot of women, and that only an organization can mitigate the evil.

Mrs. F. B. Kingsbury said that a similar association exists in California, and is very successful.

Mrs. Mills remarked that an alliance with labor unions and co-operative enterprises would bring quicker results.

The chairman declared that the most important matters at present were the election of officers and the membership drive. Any workingwoman can become a member by paying twenty-five cents, and dues for the year amount to only 2one dollar. The income of the association is to be used to pay hall rent and other expenses. If the organization is successful, several rooms will be rented and furnished to shelter women and children in need. Perhaps even a school may be added later. An employment bureau is also to be organized as soon as possible. It is the object of the association to help all women earn better wages.

At the end of Mrs. Schrock's speech, a gentleman arose and nominated Mrs. Anna Schrock as president of the new association. The gentleman proved to be Attorney Marcus Monroe Brown, whom Arabella McLaughlin tried to shoot some time ago....

Mrs. Schrock was elected president; Mrs. Kingsbury, vice-president; Mrs. Barnum, treasurer. Mrs. Mills, secretary; but Mrs. Mills declined, because she did not share Mrs. Schrock's views. Then the "protector of poor widows," M. M. Brown, was nominated secretary by the president. In the interim, 3rumors spread concerning Brown's character, and his election did not arouse enthusiasm by any means, but he considered it proper to give a speech, in which he declared that the success of the organization was assured.

One of the ladies present suggested that the members attend the meetings of the Working Women's Union [another organization] which are held every two weeks at Uhlich's Hall, where labor questions, and women's problems in labor matters in particular, are discussed.

The president did not like that remark at all. She said that she had her own ideas on how to ameliorate the conditions confronting women, and that she had a high goal in mind. She felt grieved when thinking of the thousands of poor girls leading a life of shame, and who could be saved by such an organization as the present one. She has had to endure persecutions because of her views, but expressed determination to continue her efforts. Whoever was not willing to help her, should not be affiliated with the organization. 4After that, about a half-dozen names were entered on the membership list, and an equal number of quarters collected, whereupon the assembly adjourned until next Monday evening.

About thirty ladies and gentlemen attended a meeting at 13 South Halsted Street yesterday evening to found the Working Woman's Industrial Protective Union. Mrs. Anna Schrock opened the meeting in ...

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Chicagoer Arbeiter Zeitung -- October 15, 1883

At the South side the Socialist Club convened last Saturday evening at Kotter's Hall. Comrade M. Schwab gave a speech about: "Women and Socialism." The speaker emphasized especially the necessity of drawing more women, as it has been done so far, into the Socialist movement.

The men should make their wives Socialists, so that it would not be necessary for the younger generation to free itself again after a hard struggle from their earliest youth of inbred prejudices. One always insists that woman's mind is inferior to the man's but all the arguments advanced for this assertion are void, because the apparently higher intelligence of the man develops only for the reason that the woman in consequence of her physical weakness is in a dependent situation and because today's entire education is designed to keep women ignorant.

To the women is trusted the future of mankind, because they are the first teachers 2to children. A certain type of people surrounds the woman with a sentimental glory, talking about the poetry that surrounds feminine beings, and that these and other beautiful things would be destroyed, if women would participate in public life, or would be the equal of man in every way.

The priests are holding their own, only because they know how to interest the women for their cause. The Socialists should be their imitators and begin Socialistic agitation at home... A real Socialist acknowledges the equality of men and women and should act accordingly.

At the South side the Socialist Club convened last Saturday evening at Kotter's Hall. Comrade M. Schwab gave a speech about: "Women and Socialism." The speaker emphasized especially the necessity ...

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Illinois Staats-Zeitung -- January 29, 1887

The Federal Senate has voted against the bill, which was to entitle every women reaching the age of maturity to cast her vote. Among the minority (23 men) in favor of the bill was the new Senator of Illinois, Mr. Chas B. Farwell... Women anxious to participate in political activities may be numerous, but they were doubtlessly gifted with a good mouthpiece, which explains of course, why "Statesmen" like these are in favor of women in politics. These Statesmen have to resort even to such tactics, in order to strengthen their position. According to Cady-Stanton, Susan Anthony and others, the principal reason for introducing women into politics is, that women would have an ennobling and moralizing influence upon politics. This is one of the silly phrases for which people,who preferably let others think for them, would fall, without questioning the other side of it.

It is quite surprising that an English-American paper(The Local Daily News) has the courage to point out the reverse when it says: "The women who have a beneficent influence on social life, are not the same women who demand the 2right to vote... Very much is said about the charitable and noble influence of good women, while it is entirely overlooked what the influence of the low and indecent woman can be. What would be the result, if women of Chicago would obtain the vote? Would the virtuous and noble, highly educated women, or the morally low, heartless, and uncultured woman make use of this privilege?

We hear so much about liquor taverns at times of elections; but the influence of occupants of houses of ill-fame is still worse. The franchise would never be exercised by the decent women, who never yearned for it, but by 7000-8000 indecent, immoral and uneducated women. What if these women, like those 8000 mentioned in Chicago, 10,000 in Philadelphia and 16,000 in New York, altogether about 120,000 throughout the United States would take part in elections? Of their influence would have to be reckoned with in nominating candidates? The election turmoil which is now carried from tavern to tavern would then be carried from one house of ill-fame to the other. The election day would furnish us with scenes of indecency never seen before. The decent and modest woman would not 3venture to rub elbows with this element and therefore would abstain from voting...the shame and disgrace brought on the country by the women suffrage, would be fatal to the country."

It rarely happens, that an English-American newspaper goes as far as taking a stand against the "ladies" and telling them frankly the truth. We fully agree with the attitude of the news, for every word this article contains, breathes pure truth... No matter what changes the 20th century may bring, general suffrage for women at least will not become constitutional during the 19th century.

The Federal Senate has voted against the bill, which was to entitle every women reaching the age of maturity to cast her vote. Among the minority (23 men) in favor ...

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Chicagoer Arbeiter Zeitung -- April 28, 1888

Raster writes that it is not necessary to take the menacing nagging of some fanatic women seriously. Does he mean his article does not have to be taken seriously? His main reason is that women do not want the right to vote.

It is hard for us to say that a nominal amount of women do not want suffrage but we will even concede that most of them do not care about their rights to vote, This is because of our having given them a wrong education and of having surrounded them for centuries with prejudices which dulled them to their own interests.

The attainment of suffrage is in the interest of woman as the development of the political and economic conditions interest and touch her often far deeper than the man. Notice the rise of prices and fall of wages because of the tariff.

Besides the interest any woman has in a reasonable molding of political and economic conditions she possesses an incontestable right for co-operation on legislation. She fulfills the same allegiance to the government as does the man and equal duties should have equal rights.

Do not take exception to the fact that women are not subject to military service 2since in several countries, men are also not subjected. Besides for a woman it is as great a sacrifice to send her husband, sweetheart, son, or brother to war while she remains at home in constant fear for the life of her loved one.

Not only has the woman the right to participate in public matters but she also has a pressing interest in it. And if this right has not been acknowledged by the legislature of most countries then it is for the reason that so far men have made laws in their own interest and to the disadvantage of women.

There would have never been such important laws about divorce and subsistence for children born out of wedlock or about adultery on the part of women in contrast to men, if women had participated in legislation.

The reason that women as yet do not have much interest in public affairs, prefering gossip and newspapers to economic and political questions, lies in the fact that they had no right to participate in these questions. If they possessed the right they would soon learn how to make use of it to the fullest extent. But it is disgraceful and humiliating that women should declare it not proper to show any interest in politics, that this is against feminism, that men will look after those matters, etc.

We feel sorry for a slave who does not feel his chains, but more pitiable is one 3who boasts about his chains. And to this number of unfortunate ones belong a large number of our women.

Raster writes that it is not necessary to take the menacing nagging of some fanatic women seriously. Does he mean his article does not have to be taken seriously? His ...

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Illinois Staats-Zeitung -- May 23, 1888

The modes of living and habits of life of the American family are aimed at emancipation of the woman from the house or home. The kitchen barely exists for the American woman, while it is a source of continual worry for the German woman, and makes it impossible for her to spend the forenoon elsewhere. The American woman prepares the meal when husband takes off his hat and coat. The menu of the American housewife, consisting of beefsteak and salad, is prepared in five minutes. A servant takes care of the house, keeping it clean, etc., therefore much time is left for leisure. This is being utilized for attending temperance meetings, for debating in clubs, for aesthetic discussion in literary societies, etc; in short, it has become a habit for her to find her amusements independently of her husband. She may remain innocent in doing so but her husband will become demoralized because he is losing the moral influence of his wife. Husband and wife are not one body and soul, but two different individuals, whose inclinations and desires drift apart very definitely, and the consequence is estrangement, divorce, or a sensational scandal. If the American husband, who is attached to his home, senses the loss of his wife's social intercourse, he is willing to take big sacrifices intellectually, in order to enjoy her companionship. If she is a suffragist, or a prohibitionist, or a spiritualist, the husband, most likely, joins the same organization. The rather cool temperature 2of the American family life can be readily seen in their external attitude. The American wife does not say "my husband", but merely, "Mr. Jones" and Mr. Jones speaks of his wife as "Mrs. Jones". In every nook and corner is a lack of that mutual spiritual support, which makes a truly married life possible. All civil service reforms, tariff reforms, political reforms will not save Americanism from decay, unless the American family life is reformed, because it is the source and origin of all political life.

The modes of living and habits of life of the American family are aimed at emancipation of the woman from the house or home. The kitchen barely exists for the ...

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Illinois Staats-Zeitung -- June 08, 1888

Mrs. Rawson's complaint that she did not receive justice in our courts furnishes us with something about which we should think.

To the average mind this complaint seems incredible, but to the keen observer of human nature it is perfectly clear that women are not on an equal basis with men in any relationship pertaining to life. Women possess an entirely different range of thoughts and emotions. They look at the world and at human affairs from a vastly different viewpoint, irrespective of what they themselves and men may say to the contrary. Some very excellent men are trying to bring about the equality of both sexes, but it is this very difference which prevents the achievement of that ideal condition of human society.

Men and woman can not meet on an equal plane discussing matters, except in very rare cases and under exceptional conditions. Men and woman can not be friends in the sense that women are with women and men with men. The difference of sex will always be present and a different solution will be presented to every problem. Women will always claim a certain consideration, and perhaps rightfully so, 2because of their sex. This consideration will have the tendency to work out to their advantage or their disadvantage, but never in perfect equality. In some cases they gain more, and in other cases they lose more than they deserve.

Women arouse either unusual sympathy before our courts, or unusual diversion. The result in both cases is injustice. But this is human nature, and what can be done to overcome it? The women are treated either with extreme mildness or unusual severity. And this will continue until men and women are made of different stuff.

Mrs. Rawson's complaint that she did not receive justice in our courts furnishes us with something about which we should think. To the average mind this complaint seems incredible, but ...

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Chicagoer Arbeiter Zeitung -- September 26, 1888

In the hands of the woman rests, for the bigger part, the task of raising the future generation, and of making this generation understand true human virtues.

Then why is it that we women are kept eternally in a condition of bondage, when in our hands rest the good and evil of future generations? Why should the only class that produces mankind, be stripped of its human rights?

These are questions that come up involuntarily when one realizes how numerous are the enemies of a reasonable emancipation of women.

The progressive class-conscious workers especially should realize the necessity of giving more consideration than has been done so far to womankind as educators and formers of the future generation.

How can a mother be in a position to teach her children reasonable understanding 2of our world and life when her own mind is crammed with antiquated screwy ideas and prejudices.

If a woman wants to give her children a good education aimed at a practical life, she must be in a position where she herself is able to judge happenings and events in practical life, and she must be acquainted and well versed with those. She can and will only then be able to teach her children rational thinking and acting, after she has learned them first herself.

Mothers must be given entirely different positions in society if the education of children is to be a real solid one in conformity with actual conditions. There must not be any rules of exception for women, or the degeneracy of coming generations will infallibly be the result.

It is indeed unspeakably sad to have to admit that our children must combat always anew the errors and mistakes produced by the same faulty education as we had in youth, in order to reach a clear, rational view and that this fight is going on under much more disgusting and pressing conditions now.

Is it not far more our holiest duty to help and try to make this battle easier 3for our children? Should we not direct our undivided attention to the early acquisition of consciousness of genuine human dignity on the part of our children, to which acquisition every single human being as a part of the universe has the same right.

If we want to reach this goal we have first to bring to life this consciousness. The interest of all women must be aroused for present day questions and demands of imminent importance to all workers.

This understanding will come just as it did with men.

The mother, being acknowledged to have the greatest influence in most cases on the mental development of her children, will then be in a position to form her children into real human beings who will become loyal, spirited followers of the suppressed and enslaved proletariat.

Is not this aim worth while - to throw away old ideas of rights and laws, opinions and habits?

Is it not high time to help women in their efforts to become emancipated, by advice and deeds, instead of working against them, and to use head and hand for 4energetic co-operation in order to realize the demands of a rational emancipation of women which is in harmony with the principles of justice and humanity!

Just cast a glance at present day married life. I will not go into details with regard to the married life of the upper ten thousand, as I presume that the way those marriages are contracted and the growing demoralization in marital fashions are well known to everybody.

The same stands for marriages within the so-called bourgoise or middle class.

There is no concern whether the future bride is physically well or whether her character guarantees a happy married life in the future. No, the first question is: Is there money in her family, and how much?

You will hardly find more than three or four marriages in a hundred that are found to be at least a bit bearable. There cannot be any talk of happiness, as found in a union based on free mutual harmony and love in which the two individuals supplement each other.

And married life within the working class? Seldom, very seldom do we meet 5a couple of human beings who are of equal mentality and feeling.

Defective education and the steady grinding fight for existence, for daily bread, hinder the formation of a harmonious, really happy life.

When the earnings of the husband are not sufficient to procure the barest necessities and wife and children must go to work for support of the family - then what is life of such a married life?

It is now easily understandable that as a consequence of these pressing worries for existence disharmony and dissatisfaction appear.

And how does all this affect the minds of the children who a re witnesses of unpleasant scenes, resulting from this disharmony?

Or let's assume that the earnings of the husband are sufficient to enable him to live a halfway decent and care-free life. The wife, then, is in a position to give herself fully to the education of the children and to make a comfortable home for her husband.

But he is also interested in liberal progressive ideas. He goes occasionally to meetings and tries to discuss afterwards with his wife what he heard and saw. But she shows no understanding, no interest in such serious questions and perhaps even differs with her husband and agrees with the opinions of reactionary tendencies, as, by the way, most females do.

The husband stands firm in his conviction, the wife the same in hers; one word leads to another and the matrimonial disrupture is accomplished.

The wife begins to hate the causes, the meetings, organizations, etc., out of which come these ideas and discussions which in her opinion estrange her husband from children and herself.

What a different picture is presented to our eyes when husband and wife are mutually interested and have understanding between themselves.

A little patience and indulgence on the part of the man, and graciousness and reasonable discernment on the part of the woman, and it cannot be otherwise than that the woman will grow to respect, honor and love her husband's convictions.

She will become interested in the ideas of our present time and will understand them, and will perhaps become a fearless fighter for truth and right.

The man, on the other hand, will now be able to have discussions with his wife of a more serious nature, which will gain in interest as the mutual exchange of ideas and opinions furnishes the necessary stimulus.

He will feel more comfortable in his home from then on, the spare time left him after the day's work will become a time of real recreation because he knows that his wife is of the same feeling and thinking as he.

The wife must be the best friend, the most loyal comrade to her husband.

Then this marriage will show a mental harmony which is necessary for happiness.

The wife will, furthermore, in correct judgement of the situation, raise her children to be energetic brave men.

No sneaks, flatterers and egoists, excelling in servility, slavery and bigotry, will grow up, but an absolutely true, proud and brave generation will bloom 8forthwith!

Mothers, take interest in all those serious questions concerning the good and evil of mankind. Learn to realize that you have to make use of your energies in the interest of humanity.

Do not be afraid of obstacles and interceptions in your way but fight your way bravely through trash of silly prejudices of past days.

Demand your human rights and fight for them. Your slogan shall be:

"It is for the future of our children," and you, men, do not remain any longer in inactivity and stubbornness in regard to woman's emancipation, but try to have your wives and daughters spend a few hours for the advancement of a just and rational woman's emancipation.

You should be proud when your wife learns to think instead of remaining thoughtless all her life and unacquainted with high idealistic aims of humanity.

It is not the purpose to set women against men but to but to bring them to the point of a realization that is necessary for the whole nation.

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Abendpost -- February 19, 1890

In Lathrop, Mo., the "ladies" are rebelling and considered it eminently proper to rid the locality of saloons on their own accord and initiative. One of the tavern proprietors, whose supplies, were emptied on the street, whose furniture has been demolished and even home broken into, took recourse to the County Court to issue warrants against the mob-leaders. As a result, the sheriff fared forth, prepared to arrest 16 ladies and 3 ministers, which were present during this deplorable mob-demonstration and functioned virtually as the leaders. Insinuations were made to the officials, that he would meet with resistance. Now we must wait and surmise, whether the sheriff intends to protect the sanctity of the law with force, of if it reaches extremes, whether the Governor of Missouri will supply the militia just as readily and gladly against the rioters in petticoats, in the identical manner as is customarily done, on the least provocation, when striking workers are concerned. Law is "law", and people who wantonly disregard our statutes, should surely not be given more lenient treatment, than man, who have been driven by "desperation" to disregard law and order. Women and girls who find it so diverting to demolish a Canteen-keepers property, as did the "jovial" students who occasionally broke street lanterns and, for good measure thrashed the nightwatchman, ought to be at least "cooled off." After such a display of toughness, they cannot demand exemption on account of sex.

In Lathrop, Mo., the "ladies" are rebelling and considered it eminently proper to rid the locality of saloons on their own accord and initiative. One of the tavern proprietors, whose ...

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Abendpost -- October 23, 1890

Under this title, the super-temperance fanatic and old spinster, Frances Willard, has written a poem which was set to music by T. J. Kimball and will be sung by thousands of children at the dedication of the Temperance Temple on November 1.

This building will cost over a million dollars and is located at the corner of La Salle and Monroe. It will be the headquarters of the "Woman's Christian Temperance Union."

Under this title, the super-temperance fanatic and old spinster, Frances Willard, has written a poem which was set to music by T. J. Kimball and will be sung by thousands ...